Social work is a family business for Dr Michelle Jones, SWIRLS Member and Senior Lecturer at Flinders University’s College of Education, Psychology and Social Work – her Popa worked at Yatala prison and her aunt in the health field.

“There has been a focus on social justice throughout my life as a result of their influence,” Dr Jones says.

While her focus on social justice may be a singular one, the fronts from which she fights for it are many and varied, ranging from childhood obesity, Aboriginal health, domestic and family violence, child protection, the health and social impacts of climate change and social isolation of diverse communities.

The unifying factor is an understanding of the social determinants of health, and how the social circumstances in which people live, work and play affect their health wellbeing, and safety.

“Taking a social justice lens helps us to understand the ways race, rurality, religion, income, gender and ability contribute to health and social inequities.”

Read more in the Flinders Brave Minds online publication here